Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous types of traffic collisions, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities for riders. Due to the lack of protection that motorcycles provide compared to cars, riders are at a much higher risk of injury in the event of a crash. While riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and adventure, it also comes with unique risks that can lead to devastating consequences if proper safety precautions aren’t followed or if other drivers act negligently. Understanding the risks associated with motorcycle accidents, the common causes, and what to do if you are injured in a crash can help protect your health and legal rights.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which involve negligence by other drivers. Failure to see motorcyclists is a leading cause of accidents, as motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars. Drivers often fail to check their blind spots or properly scan intersections before making a turn, leading to collisions with motorcycles. Left-turn accidents are particularly common, where a car turns in front of an oncoming motorcycle without seeing the rider.
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is speeding—both by motorcyclists and other drivers. Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver or rider has to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. High speeds also increase the severity of the impact in the event of a crash, leading to more serious injuries. In addition to speeding, reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, and aggressive driving also contribute to the risk of motorcycle accidents.
Road hazards are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. While cars and trucks can often navigate over potholes, debris, and slick surfaces with minimal difficulty, motorcycles are far more vulnerable to these hazards. A small patch of gravel or a slick road from rain can cause a motorcyclist to lose control and crash. Poor road maintenance, construction zones, and unexpected obstacles all pose significant risks to motorcyclists, who must be constantly vigilant to avoid these hazards.
Impaired driving is another major factor in motorcycle accidents. Both motorcyclists and other drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increase the likelihood of a crash. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and a decreased ability to control their vehicles, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Due to the lack of protection offered by motorcycles, riders are far more likely to sustain severe injuries in the event of a crash. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most serious injuries suffered by motorcyclists. Even when wearing helmets, the impact of a crash can cause brain trauma, leading to concussions, cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent brain damage. Riders who don’t wear helmets are at an even greater risk of fatal head injuries.
Spinal cord injuries are also common in motorcycle accidents and can result in partial or complete paralysis. The force of being thrown from a motorcycle in a crash can damage the spinal cord, leading to long-term disabilities that may require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
Fractures and broken bones are frequently seen in motorcycle accidents, particularly in the legs, arms, and ribs. In many cases, motorcyclists are thrown from their bikes upon impact, leading to serious falls that can break bones or cause joint dislocations. These injuries can require surgery and long recovery periods, during which the rider may be unable to work or perform daily activities.
Road rash, or severe skin abrasions caused by sliding across the pavement, is another common injury in motorcycle accidents. Road rash can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds that require skin grafts and extensive medical treatment. Infections are a risk with road rash injuries, especially if the wounds are not properly treated.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can have a significant impact on your health and your ability to pursue compensation. The first and most important step is to seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor at the time. Some injuries, such as TBIs or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately, and delaying treatment can worsen the situation.
Next, it’s important to document the accident. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, the damage to your motorcycle, and any other vehicles involved. If there were witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information, as their testimony could be crucial in supporting your claim. Be sure to report the accident to the police, and request a copy of the police report once it’s available. This report will serve as an official record of the incident and may be useful in establishing fault.
Consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your claim or argue that you were partially at fault for the accident. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcycle accident victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and losses. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another driver, you can pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages. This compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In cases where the injuries result in long-term disability, victims may also seek compensation for future medical care and loss of earning capacity.
Determining fault in motorcycle accidents can sometimes be challenging, as insurance companies may try to argue that the motorcyclist was partially responsible for the crash. However, even if you are found to be partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation under the legal concept of comparative negligence. This means that your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. An experienced attorney can help reduce the amount of fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges that motorcycle accident victims face. Our skilled personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases and will fight to protect your rights. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and work to secure the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.